The transition to a carbon-neutral economy could create tens of thousands of jobs in Belgium, especially in the construction sector, despite its staff shortage. That is one of the conclusions of the recent report ‘Implications of the Climate Transition on Employment, Skills, and Training in Belgium’, published by the Federal Public Service for Health, Food Chain Safety, and the Environment.

By 2030, the researchers predict that the number of jobs in Belgium will grow by 1 to 2 percent. And almost half of all jobs (45%) will be impacted by the transition to a carbon-neutral economy – directly (25%) or indirectly (20%). However, the impact will differ depending on the sector.

Construction sector

The sectors most likely to create jobs by 2030 are services and construction, manufacturing, transport, communications, and agriculture. On the other hand, a net loss of jobs is expected in the energy sector due to the decreasing demand for fossil fuels.

The study, presented in Brussels on Monday by Zakia Khattabi (Ecolo), Federal Minister for Climate, environment, Sustainable Development, and the Green Deal, was organized by a consortium of experts from engineering office CLIMACT, HIVA, KULeuven, and LENTIC – ULiège and fits in the context of the federal plans to become climate-neutral by 2050.

‘Social graveyard’

Khattabi states we need a more solid federal policy to achieve the increased European climate targets. “We need to change course by drastically reducing emissions, properly protecting the environment, and ensuring a fair distribution of costs and benefits. Some jobs will disappear, some will change, and others will be created.”

The report aims to inform policymakers at all levels to make timely adjustments so that the climate transition does not lead to a ‘social graveyard’.

‘Huge challenges’

On the one hand, the study looks at how the Belgian job market is likely to develop and how training must be adjusted on the way to climate neutrality by 2050. On the other hand, policy considerations are formulated.

“The challenges are huge,” says Quentin Jossen of Climact. “For example, making buildings energy efficient is essential in Belgium’s climate policy.” However, the report calculated that the number of jobs in the construction sector would have to grow by about 27 000.

Unfortunately, a career in the construction sector is already a bottleneck, and the number of students opting for it is falling rapidly. And many people already working in the sector will need to be upskilled because the climate transition requires new skills.